Questions about foundations, brick and chimneys
These are the questions people in Hoopeston and around Vermilion County ask most about foundation replacement, foundation repair, tuckpointing, brick repair and chimneys. Smittys Masonry Restoration is run by Brian Lee Smith, based in Hoopeston, Illinois. If your question is not here, call or text Brian at (217) 549-2230.
Start with a photo
Most masonry questions are easier to answer with a picture. A wide shot and a close shot of the problem, plus your town, lets Brian tell you a lot before anyone drives out.
Answers.
What does Smittys Masonry Restoration do?
Foundation replacement with modern materials, foundation repair, tuckpointing, brick repair and chimney repair, mostly on older houses.
Can you replace the foundation under a house without moving it?
Yes. The house is held on temporary supports while the old foundation comes out and the new one goes in.
How do I know if my foundation needs replacing or only repair?
Bowing walls, stones that move, mortar that crumbles all along the wall and floors settling above usually point to replacement. A few cracks or loose stones usually mean repair. Photos help Brian tell you which.
What is tuckpointing?
Grinding out worn mortar from between bricks or stones and packing in new mortar so the wall sheds water again. In this part of the country most people use the word for any repointing.
How do I know if my brick needs tuckpointing?
Joints that are recessed, sandy, cracked or missing mortar, or a key that scrapes mortar out easily, mean the joints are due.
Why is the face of my brick flaking off?
That is called spalling. Water soaks into the brick and freezes, and the face pops off. Hard mortar on soft old brick and water from a leak above make it worse.
Can my chimney be repaired or does it need to come down?
Loose brick and bad joints can usually be repaired. A chimney that leans or is coming apart above the roof may need more. Send a photo from the ground.
Can masonry work be done in winter?
Mortar needs to stay above about 40 degrees while it cures, so cold weather limits outdoor masonry. Ask Brian what makes sense for your job and the time of year.
Why does my basement leak?
Usually water from the roof or the yard soaking the ground against an old foundation with open joints. Fixing downspouts and grading is often step one.
Do you match old brick and mortar?
Matching is part of doing it right, and old brick and mortar vary a lot from house to house. Ask Brian about matching on your house when he looks at it.
How do I get a price?
Call or text (217) 549-2230 with photos and your town, or email familymansmith75@gmail.com.
Where is Brian based?
Hoopeston, Illinois, in Vermilion County. If you are nearby, call or text and ask about your town.
Keep reading.
Foundations
Old stone, brick and block foundations repaired or fully replaced with modern materials in Hoopeston, Illinois.
Brick and chimney
Tuckpointing, brick repair and chimney repair for older houses in Hoopeston and Vermilion County, Illinois.
Contact
Get a price on foundation, tuckpointing, brick or chimney work in Hoopeston, IL.
What sets the price
What changes the price of foundation, tuckpointing, brick and chimney work around Hoopeston, IL, and how to get a real number.
Send the details and we will call.
Tell us what you are seeing at the property and Brian Lee Smith will get back to you to set up a look.